The following is a complete listing of the inscriptions and literary works of Constantine in approximate chronological order, from A.D. 310 to his death in 337. The identification numbers for the laws are those of Dorries. Silli contains the text of the documents, whereas Dorries often includes only a description. Gruenewald’s book on imperial propaganda contains a table of inscriptions referring to Constantine. Items from these books which merely discuss Constantine are omitted from this list and only those claiming to be from Constantine, either legitimately or spuriously, are included. In case of conflicting chronologies, preference is given to the more recent dating of Silli and Gruenewald. Items concerning the Donatist controversy are redated following the chronology of Barnes. The description box is left empty in the cases of inscriptions which contain only a name and not substantive content. For the abbreviations designating ancient sources, as well as the modern works utilized, see the lists at the bottom of the page.

Date Document Ancient Source Modern Source or Discussion Document Description
c. 310-311 Inscription at Sinop CIL III 6979;
EE IV 44;
ILS 660
Gruenewald 416  
310-312 Inscription at Crindledykes EE VII 1111;
RIB 2302
Gruenewald 4  
310-Sept 18, 324 Inscription at Berea CIL III Add. 237b Gruenewald 399  
Apr 30, 311 Edict of Toleration LAC 35 Dorries p. 227-228 Putting an end to the persecution of Christians under Diocletian
Dec 25-31, 311 Inscription at Szony AE 1937,232 Gruenewald 377  
Aug 29, 312 Law 1 Frag Vat 32 Dorries p. 163 Judgment in question of guardianship
Nov 312 Inscription on a statue of himself holding a cross VC 1.40;
LC 9.8
Dorries p. 215 Claiming to have freed and restored Rome by the power of the cross
Oct 28, 312-Apr 30, 313 Inscription at Como CIL V 8963 Gruenewald 302  
Oct 28, 312-Apr 30, 313 Inscription at Pavia CIL V 8060 Gruenewald 310  
312-Oct 8, 316 First inscription at Mascula—possibly spurious CIL VIII 2241 Gruenewald 111  
312-Sept 18, 324 First inscription at Rome CIL VI 31564;
ILS 702
Gruenewald 256 Renovating the Aqua Virgo
312-Sept 18, 324 Inscription at Montecchio Maggiore CIL V 8014 Gruenewald 290  
312-May 22, 337 Inscription at Reims CIL XIII 3255;
ILS 703
Gruenewald 16 Giving a bath to the city
Late 312-early March 313 First letter to Anulinus HE 10.5.15-17;
EH 7.42;
HD App 15
Silli 1;
Dorries p. 16;
Barnes 1
All property taken from Christians should be returned to them.
Late 312-early March 313 Letter to Caecilian, bishop of Carthage HE 10.6;
EH 7.42
Silli 2;
Dorries p. 17-18;
Barnes 2
Giving money to be distributed to the ministers and permission to request more for them if necessary
Oct 28, 312-Apr 30, 313 Inscription at Theveste BCTH 1930-1931, 306-309 Gruenewald 193a  
Oct 28, 312-Apr 30, 313 Inscription at Sicca Veneria CIL VIII 10090, 22176 Gruenewald 195  
After Oct 28, 312 Inscription at Drusiliana CIL VIII 22112 Gruenewald 204  
Jan 18, 313 Law 2: To the people CTh 13.10.1 Dorries p. 163 Against extortion and quartering
Feb 313 Second letter to Anulinus HE 10.7;
EH 7.42;
HD App 16
Silli 5;
Dorries p. 18-19;
Barnes 3
Clergy are exempt from all political duties
Feb 25, 313 Law 40: To Aelianus, proconsul of Africa CTh 9.34.2 Dorries p. 174 Libelous reports are to be ignored even if they are found in the official acts.
March 5, 313 Law 3: To Philip, vicar of the city CTh 10.4.1 Dorries p. 163-164 Threatening treasury officials who harass subjects with public burning
Apr 30, 313-Oct 8, 316 Inscription at Lavinium AE 1984,151 Gruenewald 270 Restoring the bath
Apr 30, 313-Oct 8, 316 Inscription at Thessalonica AE 1933,251 Gruenewald 398  
Apr 30, 313-Oct 8, 316 Inscription at Golmarmara TAM V 645 Gruenewald 462  
Apr 30, 313-Oct 8, 316 Inscription at Tunlu-Bunar CIL III 7170;
EE V 177, 1399
Gruenewald 467  
Apr 30, 313-c. 321 Inscription at Migennes AE 1983,701 Gruenewald 17  
Apr 30, 313-c. 321 Second inscription at Mascula CIL VIII 17681;
EE VII 330, 737
Gruenewald 112  
June 1, 313 Law 4: To Eusebius, governor of Lycia and Pamphylia CTh 13.10.2 Dorries p. 164 The tax privilege of Diocletian is renewed.
June 313 Reply to the Donatists HD 1.23 Barnes 6 This brief quotation resembles, and may simply be an altered excerpt from, a sentence in Constantine’s letter to the Council of Arles (see below).
June 313 Letter to Miltiades, bishop of Rome, and Marcus HE 10.5.18-20;
EH 7.43;
HD App 13
Silli 3;
Dorries p. 20-21;
Barnes 7
Asking them to preside in Rome over the case of Caecilian
June 13, 313 Edict of Constantine and Licinius about the freedom of the Christian religion HE 10.5.1-14;
EH 7.41;
LAC 48.2-12
Silli 4;
Dorries p. 228-232
Enumeration of religious freedoms
July 21, 313 Law 5 Frag Vat 34 Dorries p. 164 Ordering a right of redemption for boys sold as babies
Aug 10, 313 Law 6 CTh 7.21.1 Dorries p. 164 Declaring it intolerable that people claim military status who never “saw battle, watched the standard, or bore arms”
Aug 29, 313 and Feb 4, 337 Law 7: To Rufinus, the praetorian prefect Frag Vat 35 Dorries p. 164 Against deceptive selling practices—Constantine affirms that being himself innocent he is unable to suspect deceit in others.
Oct 31, 313? Law 8 CTh 16.2.1 Dorries p. 165 Instruction to replace a particular official vexed by heretics and prevent this kind of thing from happening in the future
Dec 27, 313 Law 9: To Claudius Plotianus, commissioner of Lucania and Bruttium CTh 11.29.1 Dorries p. 165 The emperor is only to be consulted in difficult cases.
313 Law 10 Frag Vat 33 Dorries p. 165 Freeborn children may not become slaves.
313-315 Law 11 CTh 6.1.1 Dorries p. 165 The “gates of dignity” should not stand open to those who are excluded “from the association of the honest” through any kind of stigma.
Jan 1, 314 Law 12: To Maximus, prefect of the city CTh 9.5.1 Dorries p. 165-167 1.Accusers who do not provide sufficient proof are subject to more server penalties.
2.The men behind the accusers who do not prove their case should be found so that his co-conspirators also are punished.
3.Certain categories of men must not be allowed as accusers and if they seek to accuse they should be punished instead of heard.
4.If a slave or freedman tries to accuse their master, they should be bound in the stocks and not heard.
5.No anonymous accusations can be entertained.
Spring, 314 Letter to Aelafius, vicar of Africa HD App 3 Silli 6;
Dorries p. 21-24;
Barnes 9
Caecilian and others are directed to attend the council of Arles.
Spring, 314 Letter to Chrestus, bishop of Syracuse HE 10.5.21-24;
EH 7.43
Silli 7;
Dorries 24-28;
Barnes 10
Commanding another synod to be held to resolve dissensions among the bishops
March 19, 314 and June 1, 315 Law 13: To Volusianus and to Amabilianus, prefect of the provisions CTh 13.5.1-2 Dorries p. 167 Ship captains are bound to their profession.
Apr 1, 314 Law 14: To the consular Junias Rufus Aemilius CTh 4.13.1 Dorries p. 167 A woman who of her free will marries a slave forfeits her own and her children’s freedom, but if it happens against her will she will be vindicated by the appropriate severity of the laws.
Apr 1, 314 Law 16: To Probus CJ 6.1.3 Dorries p. 168 Apprehended slaves trying to run back to barbarian lands should either have their feet cut off or be sent into the mine.
Apr 24, 314 Law 15: To Volusianus CTh 5.8.1 Dorries p. 167-168 Whoever loses his freedom will receive it back without a lawsuit. Severest punishments threaten those who try to hold in bondage someone wrongfully enslaved.
May 15, 314 Law 17: To Dionysius CJ 3.1.8 Dorries p. 168 In all things justice and fairness take priority to the letter of the law.
Aug-Sept 314 Letter to the bishops after the Council of Arles HD App 5 Silli 8;
Dorries p. 28-33;
Barnes 12
Commending their faith and lamenting that those condemned in ecclesiastical courts are appealing to civil courts
Oct 29, 314 Law 18: To the well-deserving Palatines CTh 6.35.1 Dorries p. 168 Not only clergymen but also palace officials receive immunity “from all vulgar and personal duties.”
Nov 3, 314? Law 19: To Catalinus CTh 9.40.1 Dorries p. 168 The death penalty should only be used for adultery, murder, and sorcery in cases of confession or certain evidence.
Jan 22, 315 Law 21: To Constantius CTh 8.5.1 Dorries p. 168 Forbidding bringing plough-oxen though an imperial post
March 21, 315 Law 22: To Eumelius CTh 9.40.2 Dorries p. 168-169 People condemned to the games or the mines should be branded in the hands or calves, not the face, which is formed in the image of the heavenly Son.
Apr 28, 315 Law 82: To Constantius, the praetorian prefect CTh 8.4.1 Dorries p. 187 Repealing previous anti-military legislation and releasing soldiers from service after 20 years
c. May 1, 315 Letter to the Donatist bishops HD App 6 Silli 9;
Dorries p. 33-34;
Barnes 15
Reaffirming that Caecilian is to be tried before him in Rome and not in Africa
c. May 1,, 315 Letter to Probianus, proconsul of Africa AUG 88.5;
CC 3.70.81;
CPD 32.55;
HD App 14
Silli 11;
Dorries p. 33, 37;
Barnes 16
Requesting Ingentius to come to Rome and put to an end the attacks against Caecilian
May 10, 315 Law 23: Edict to the Africans CTh 8.4.2 Dorries p. 169 Military riots are punished by death.
May 13, 315 Law 24: To Ablavius CTh 11.27.1 Dorries p. 169 Outlawing parents from killing their children and appointing funds to care for children
June 17, 315 Law 20: To Proclianus CTh 11.1.1 Dorries p. 168 Delineating privileges for catholic churches and his sons’ father-in-law, the King of Armenia
Aug 1, 315 Law 25: To Domitius Celsus, vicar of Africa CTh 9.18.1 Dorries p. 169-170 Slaves and freedmen guilty of kidnapping are thrown to the animals and freeborn guilty of kidnapping are condemned to the gladiatorial games with no possibility for resistance.
Oct 1, 315 Law 26: To Crispinus CTh 12.1.2 Dorries p. 170 “The form of public law must be observed.”
Oct 18, 315 Law 27: To Evagrius CTh 16.8.1 Dorries p. 170 Sets burning as the penalty for Jews who stone a Jewish convert to Christianity as well as for those who convert to a corrupt sect
Nov 8, 315 Law 28: To the proconsul of Africa CTh 8.10.1 Dorries p. 170 People who feel themselves discriminated against by tax authorities or lower judges should prove it in court.
Late 315 Letter to Celsus, vicar of Africa HD App 7 Silli 10;
Dorries p. 34;
Barnes 18
Instructing him to hold off in dealing with Caecilian until the emperor himself come to Africa to judge him
Feb 3, 316 Law 29 Frag Vat 249 Dorries p. 171 Gifts made for religious reasons are exempt from the recording of donations.
May 14, 316 Law 30: To Titianus CTh 8.5.2 Dorries p. 171 Animal abuse is threatened with demotion or deportation.
June 8, 316 Law 31: To Maximus, prefect of the city CTh 4.8.1a Dorries p. 171 Approving the freeing of slaves in the catholic church
Nov 10, 316 Fragments of a letter to Eumlius, vicar of Africa CC 3.71.82;
CPD 33.56
Silli 12;
Dorries p. 37, 37-38;
Barnes 19
Reporting the controversy concerning Caecilian
Nov, 316? Law (not numbered by Dorries) AUG 88.3 Barnes 20 Places in the churches are not to be claimed with money.
Jan 19, 317 Law 32: To Octavian, count of Spain CTh 12.1.4 Dorries p. 171 Career offices should only be paused.
March 1, 317-c. 321 Inscription at Florence CIL XI 6671a Gruenewald 333 Restoring the path
March 1, 317-321 Inscription at Cherson GAH 57 Gruenwald 404  
March 1, 317-326 Inscription at Algeria CIL VIII 8370, 20211 Gruenewald 86 Restoring and dedicating bridges
After March 1, 317 Second inscription at Rome CIL VI 1148-1149, 31247 Gruenewald 250  
May 23, 317-319 Law 33: To Bassus, the praetorian prefect CTh 9.16.3 Dorries p. 171-172 Magic done to harm is punished but magic done to help is not.
July 21, 317 Law 34: To the People CJ 4.21.15 Dorries p. 172 Documentary evidence has as much value in litigation as witness testimony.
July 21, 317 Law 35: To the Bithynians CTh 10.20.1 Dorries p. 172 A minter must remain as such.
c. 317-Sept 18, 324 Inscription at Aquae Iasae CIL III 4121, p.2328/114;
ILS 704;
AIJug 469
Dorries p. 226;
Gruenewald 379
Restoring from fire damage
June 23, 318 Law 36 CTh 1.27.1 Dorries p. 172-173 Judges should let matters be settled by Christian law where possible and consider those decisions inviolable.
Nov 16, 318 Law 37: To Verinus, vicar of Africa CTh 9.15.1 Dorries p. 173 Anyone who murders parent, sibling, or child will be executed by being sewn up alive in a sack with snakes and thrown into the sea or a pit.
Feb 1, 319 Law 38: To Maximus CTh 9.16.1 Dorries p. 173 Condemning soothesayers to be burned and those associating with them to be banished to an island and their things confiscated
March 29, 319 Law 39: To Verinus, vicar of Africa CTh 9.34.1 Dorries p. 173 Anonymous informants should be tracked down, forced to give proof, and then punished.
Apr 24, 319 Law 43 CTh 5.27.1 Dorries p. 174 Habit and custom have authority but not so much as to overturn reason and law.
Apr 27, 319 Law 44: To Rufinus, the praetorian prefect CJ 6.22.5 Dorries p. 174 Eunuchs are allowed to testify in court.
May 11, 319 Law 45: To Bassus CTh 9.12.1 Dorries p. 174 Masters can physically discipline their slaves but may not kill them or treat them barbarically.
May 15,319 Law 47: To the people CTh 9.16.2 Dorries p. 175-176 Forbidding soothsaying from being practiced in individuals’ homes
May 30, 319 Law 48: To the provincials CTh 10.1.3 Dorries p. 176 Even the claims of the tax officials expire after a prescribed period of time, silencing the accusations of private citizens.
Oct 12, 319 Law 49: To Bassus, the praetorian prefect CTh 3.17.1 Dorries p. 176 Stressing the earlier provisions made for the benefit of dependents
Oct 21, 319 Law 50: To Octavian, commissioner of Lucania and Bruttium CTh 16.2.2 Dorries p. 176-177 Clergymen in Lucania and Bruttium were to have all gifts removed to prevent envy from interfering with their ministry.
Dec 1, 319? Law 51: To the people CTh 10.10.2 Dorries p. 177 Threatening to cut out the tongues of accusers and execute them
Dec 26, 319 Law 52: To Proculus CTh 4.17.1 Dorries p. 177 Defining the precise process for new motions
Jan 31, 320 Law 53: To the people CJ 10.19.2 Dorries p. 177 Supervision for executing sentences
Jan 31, 320 Law 54: To the people CJ 6.23.15 Dorries p. 177 Wills should not be invalidated because of poor form.
Jan 31, 320 Law 55: To the people CTh 8.16.1 Dorries p. 177 The single and childless are freed from the “imminent terrors of the laws.”
Feb 1, 320 Law 56 CTh 4.4.1a Dorries p. 177-178 Proper will form is not necessary as long as its intent is apparent
March 1, 320/326 Law 57: To governor Florianus CTh 7.20.2 Dorries p. 178 Outlining the way in which the troops are to greet the emperor
Apr 1, 320 Law 58: To the people CTh 9.24.1 Dorries p. 178-179 Sentencing those who abduct brides to execution, brides willingly abducted to execution as well, and complicit parents to deportation
Jun 30, 320 Law 59: To the accountant Florentius CTh 9.3.1 Dorries p. 179 Making strict provisions for the ethical treatment of people awaiting trial
July 18, 320 Law 60: To Bassus, the praetorian prefect CTh 16.2.3 Dorries p. 179-180 Elaborating on a previous edict, now lost, that decurions, their descendants, and people with sufficient wealth for public office should not from that point on enter the clergy
Aug 18, 320 Law 61: To Bassus, prefect of the city CJ 1.51.2 Dorries p. 180 Farms cannot be bought without an appraisal.
Dec 4, 320 Law 41: To Januarinus, the acting prefect CTh 9.34.3 Dorries p. 174 Libelous reports are to be burned.
Dec 17, 320/321 Law 62: To Maximus CTh 16.10.1 Dorries p. 180-181 Soothsayers are to be sought when lightning strikes the palace or another public building.
Jan 23, 321 Law 63: To Severus, prefect of the city CTh 6.22.1 Dorries p. 181 Preventing the purchase of offices freeing one from curial responsibility
Feb 6, 321 Law 64: To Claudius, governor of Dacia CTh 2.19.2 Dorries p. 181 Disinherited sons may contest the will on the condition that they gave no reason for such repercussion.
March 3, 321 Law 65: To Elpidius CTh 2.8.1a Dorries p. 181 Courts and business are to take Sunday off, but those who work the land may work on that day.
July 3, 321 Law 66: To Elpidius CTh 2.8.1 Dorries p. 181-182 Courts and businesses are closed on Sundays because they lead to disputing, but slaves can still be freed.
Apr 11, 321 Law 67: To Menander CTh 15.1.2 Dorries p. 182 Arranging an observation of the structural condition of the public works
Apr 18, 321 Law 68: To Maximus, prefect of the city CTh 4.8.1 Dorries p. 182 Clergy have the ability to grant slaves freedom.
Apr 18, 321 Law 69: To Maximus, the praetorian prefect CJ 7.1.4 Dorries p. 183 Naming the regular times of liberation, later added to by the Church
May 5, 321 Letter to Verinus, vicar of Africa CPD 31.54, 33.56 Barnes 24 Allowing banished Donatist bishops to return from exile
May 5, 321? Letter to the bishops of Africa and the people of the catholic church HD App 9 Silli 13;
Dorries p. 38-39;
Barnes 25
Granting toleration to the Donatists and instructing the people to win them over with patience
July 1, July 13, and Aug 1, 321 Law 70 CTh 4.14.1-3 Dorries p. 183 Protecting citizens from tax officials who threaten them with death or perpetual exile
July 3, 321 Law 71: To the people CTh 16.2.4 Dorries p. 183 Anyone can leave anything to the “most holy, catholic, and venerable council” in their will.
Aug 1, 321/324 Law 72: To Volusianus CTh 13.3.1 Dorries p. 183-184 Doctors, grammarians, and other teachers or tax-exempt. Slaves who do anything to them must be whipped or required to pay a fine. They are allowed to hold office but cannot be forced to do so.
Aug 29, 321 Law 73: To Verinus CTh 2.24.1 Dorries p. 184 Wills not written in entirely proper form are to still be considered in dividing up inheritance.
Dec 11, 321 Law 74: To the decurions of Cologne CTh 16.8.3 Dorries p. 184 Jews can be appointed to city councils.
Feb 9, 322 Law 75: To Agricolanus CTh 9.1.3 Dorries p. 184 Outlining a woman’s right to prosecute in court
July 6, 322 Law 76: To Menander CTh 11.27.2 Dorries p. 184-185 Parents too poor to raise children should not sell them but instead be supported by the state.
Oct 30, 322 Law 77: To Maximus, the praetorian prefect CTh 9.38.1 Dorries p. 185-186 In honor of the birth of his grandson, granting amnesty to sorcerers, murderers, and adulterers
Apr 28, 323 Law 78 CTh 7.1.1 Dorries p. 186 The punishment for treachery is being burned alive.
Apr 28, 323 Law 79 CTh 7.12.1 Dorries p. 186 Unauthorized leaves of absence are punished with deportation or confiscation of property or, if the absence places the borders in danger, death.
May 25, 323 Law 80: To Helpidius CTh 16.2.5 Dorries p. 186 Clergy and other church servants who give in to force and take part in unchristian sacrifices are to be whipped or fined.
Apr 24, 324 and May 9, 328 Law 81: Chalcedonian and Macedonian edicat and to Aemilianus, the praetorian prefect CTh 11.16.3-4 Dorries p. 187 Legislation in favor of the socially deprived
May 16, 324 Law 83: To Constantius, the praetorian prefect CTh 15.14.1 Dorries p. 187 The laws of Licinius are repealed and only ancient laws and those of Constantine are in effect.
After Sept 18, 324 Third inscription at Rome: The arch of St. Peter’s Basilica CIL VIp.X Nr.6,pXXIX;
ICUR N.S. II 1,4092;
ILCV 1752
Gruenewald 263 Dedicating the church to the One whose leadership raised the world triumphantly to the stars
Sept 18-Nov 11, 324 Inscription at Serino AE 1939,151 Gruenewald 277 Refurnishing the aqueduct
After Nov 8, 324 Fourth inscription at Rome: The cross of St. Peter’s Basilica ICUR N.S. II 1,4093 Gruenewald 264 Building a gleaming royal temple
Late 324 Edict to the provincials of Palestine VC 2.24-42 Silli 16;
Dorries p. 43-50
Demonstrating the superiority of Christianity and publishing many various laws
Late 324 First letter to Eusebius VC 2.46.1-3;
SOC 1.9;
THE 1.15.1-2;
ACH 3.3.1-4;
EH 8.27
Silli 17;
Dorries p. 55
Instruction to repair damaged churches or erect new ones
Late 324 Edict to the eastern provincials VC 2.48-60 Silli 18;
Dorries p. 51-54
Demonstrating the righteousness of Christianity
Late 324 Letter to Alexander and Arius VC 2.64-72;
SOC 1.7;
ACH 2.4.1-13;
EH 8.13;
CAS 1.19
Silli 19;
Dorries p. 55-62;
Opitz 17
Promoting peace from doctrinal debate
Jan 16-31, 325 Letter to the bishops everywhere Codex Brit Lib Add 14526 and 14528;
Codex Parisinus syriacus 62
Silli 20;
Dorries p. 62;
Schwartz p. 289;
Schulthess p. 1;
Opitz 20
Moving the location of the upcoming council from Ancyra to Nicaea.
Jan 16-31, 325 Letter about the synod celebrated at Nicaea KAU 2.1 Silli 21 Explaining why the upcoming council is to be held at Nicaea
Feb 12, 325 Law 84: To all the provincials CTh 15.14.2 Dorries p. 187 Legitimate acts of the tyrant and his judges remain in effect.
Apr 17, 325 Law 85: To Dracilianus, the acting praetorian prefect CTh 2.33.1 Dorries p. 187 Interest for borrowed crops is set at 50%, but the creditor can forego this.
325 Opening address at Nicaea VC 3.12;
ACH 2.7.1-41
Dorries p. 62-66 An appeal for peace
After June 19, 325 Letter to the catholic church of Alexandria ATH 38;
SOC 1.9;
ACH 2.37.1-9;
CJ;
TD A.3
Silli 22;
Dorries 68-70;
Opitz 25
Happily reporting that the Council of Nicaea had unanimously confessed the truth and condemned Arius
After June 19, 325 Letter to the churches VC 3.17.1-3.20.2;
SOC 1.9.32-46;
THE 1.101-12;
ACH 2.37.10-22;
EH 8.25
Silli 23;
Dorries p. 66-68;
Opitz 26
Exhortation to all churches who were absent from the Council of Nicaea to follow its decisions

Link to the letter here.

After June 19, 325 Second letter to Eusebius VC 4.35 Silli 24 Praising his discourse about Easter
July 11 and Oct 7, 325 Law 86: To Maximus and to Constantius, the praetorian prefect CTh 12.1.10-11 Dorries p. 187 Denying the right to leave the curia for a military career
Sept 17, 325 Law 87: To all the provincials CTh 9.1.4 Dorries p. 187-188 Encouraging people to come forth and make complaints against people of his closest circle.
Sept 17, 325 Law 88: To Aurelius Helladius CTh 11.39.1 Dorries p. 188 In cases of uncertain evidence, the person currently in possession must show proof.
Oct 1, 325 Law 89: To Maximus, the praetorian prefect CTh 15.12.1 Dorries p. 188 Gladiatorial games are to be put to an end, with mine work replacing it as a punishment.
Nov-Dec, 325 Letter to the catholic church of Nicomedia against Eusebius and Theognis ATH 41;
ACH 1.11.22-31;
THE 1.20.1-10;
CJ;
CAS 2.22.5-16
Silli 25;
Dorries p. 70-74;
Opitz 27
Setting forth his own belief in Christ’s true divinity and blaming Eusebius for the current conflict
Nov-Dec, 325 Letter to Theodotus ATH 42;
ACH 3 App 2
Silli 26;
Dorries p. 76-77;
Opitz 28
Informing him that Eusebius and Theognis have been condemned and so their advice should be discounted
End of 325-Jan 326 Letter to Publilius Optatianus Porphyrius PUB Silli 27;
Dorries p. 127-128
Thankfully accepting the poems dedicated to him and offering his own opinions on poetry
Jan 31, 326? Law 90: To the people CTh 3.2.1 Dorries p. 189 Those who owe debts to one creditor cannot have their goods confiscated by someone else.
Feb 3, 326 Law 91: To Africanus CTh 9.7.1 Dorries p. 189 Because of their lowly status, barmaids are outside of adultery laws.
Feb 3, 326 Law 92: To Evagrius, the praetorian prefect CJ 9.4.2 Dorries p. 189 Imprisonment can only be sentenced after public testimony.
March 15, 326 Law 93 CTh 3.30.3 Dorries p. 189-190 House slaves are not to be sold without compelling reasons.
c. first half of 326 Letter to the heretics VC 3.64-65 Silli 29;
Dorries p. 82-84
Removing from heretics the right to assemble
Apr 13, 326 Law 94: To Vettius Rufinus, prefect of the city CTh 4.11.1a Dorries p. 190 Thankless freedmen who act insolently towards their former master forfeit their freedom, but their children will remain free.
Apr 25, 326 Law 95: To Evagrius, the praetorian prefect CTh 9.7.2 Dorries p. 190 Only a close relative can accuse a woman of adultery.
May 17, 326 Law 96: To Mecilius Hilarianus, commissioner of Lucania and Bruttium CTh 12.1.13 Dorries p. 190 Only those who were soldiers over 20 years remain free.
May 22, 326 Law 97: To Maximus, prefect of the city CTh 9.1.5 Dorries p. 190-191 Accusations must be put down in writing to start the judicial process.
May 23, 326 Law 98: To Severus, prefect of the city CTh 6.36.1 Dorries p. 191 Court officials also have the privilege of the “camp stipend.”
May 29, 326 Law 99: To the people CTh 9.9.1 Dorries p. 191 Women who become involved with or marry slaves are to be executed and the slaves burned.
June 1, 326 Law 100: To Ablavius, the praetorian prefect CTh 16.2.6 Dorries p. 191-192 Freedom from public offices cannot come from appointment to the office of the clergy, but instead a poorer person should be appointed to positions in the church.
June 14, 326 Law 101: To the people CJ 5.26.1 Dorries p. 192 No one may have a concubine in his home while his marriage still continues.
June 17, 326 Law 102: To Mastichianus, prefect of the provisions CJ 6.62.1 Dorries p. 192 The estate of a ship captain who dies without a will does not go to the treasury but to the corporation of ship captains.
July 8, 326 Law 103: To Antochus, prefect of the guards CTh 15.14.3 Dorries p. 193 Legitimate laws of past tyrants remain in effect, but those which he made contrary to the law are not.
326 Letter to Macarius VC 3.30-32;
SOC 1.9;
THE 1.17;
ACH 3.5;
EH 8.28
Silli 30;
Dorries p. 84-86
The church in Jerusalem should be the most beautiful in the world.
Aug 27, 326 Law 104: To Menander CTh 4.13.3 Dorries p. 193 Creating a middle state between slave and free for the children of such mixed marriages.
Sept 1, 326 Law 105: Edict about the immunity of the catholic clergy to Dracilianus CTh 16.5.1 Dorries p. 39-40, 193 Religious privileges only apply to observers of catholic law, and heretics and schismatics are subject to various public duties.
Sept 18, 326 Law 106: To Ablavius, the praetorian prefect CTh 13.5.5 Dorries p. 193 Ship captains are freed from all burdens and duties.
Sept 25, 326 Law 107: To Bassus CTh 16.5.2 Dorries p. 193-194 Novatians are not to be precondemned to the point that their requests are not given audience and their houses and cemeteries are to be left undisturbed, but they cannot lay claim to anything which belonged to the church prior to the dispute.
Dec 10, 326-Dec 9, 327 Fifth inscription at Rome CIL VI 3789, 31388 Gruenewald 253  
326-Dec 25, 333 Inscription at Ostia CIL XIV 133 Gruenewald 266  
March 6, 327 Law 108: To Julianus, prefect of the city CTh 6.4.2 Dorries p. 194 Adult members of the upper class are required to put on the games, but minors are released of this responsibility.
327-328 Digest of letters to the people of Antioch VC 3.59 Dorries p. 88-89 Encouraging peace and godliness and pardoning past conduct
Early 328 Fragments of a letter to Alexander, bishop of Alexandria ACH 3.15.1-5; Silli 31;
Dorries p. 80;
Opitz 32
Reporting the repentance of Arius and commanding that former heretics who later confess the truth be forgiven
c. June 328 Part of a letter to the people of Alexandria about the election of Athanasius Codex Angelicus Gr 22.36b Silli 32;
Dorries p. 94-95
Approving and ratifying his appointment to the episcopate
Oct 21, 328 Law 42: To Dionysius CTh 9.34.4 Dorries p. 174 Anonymous accusations endangering people’s lives are forbidden.
Dec 29, 328 Law 109 CJ 1.40.2 Dorries p. 194 When a powerful person tires the provincial governors with their arrogance, this should be reported so as to be handled with the appropriate discipline.
329-332 Inscription at Ain Rchine AE 1981,878 Gruenewald 133  
Aug 13, 329 Law 110: To the people CJ 1.19.3 Dorries p. 194 Nothing can be requested which is contrary to the treasury or the law.
Aug 18, 329 Law 111 CJ 4.43.2 Dorries p. 194-195 Newborn children can be sold by impoverished parents, but they retain the right to buy the child back for the same price or by substituting a replacement.
Feb 5, 330 Law 112: Edict about the expansion of immunity to the consular Valentinus of Numidia CTh 16.2.7 Dorries p. 40, 195;
Barnes 29
Granting exemptions for clergy
Feb 5, 330 Letter to the bishops of Numidia HD App 10 Silli 33;
Dorries p. 40-43;
Barnes 30
Stating that catholic basilicas stolen by the Donatists should not be disturbed and instead new ones constructed
Apr 29, 330 Law 113: To Valerianus, the acting pefect CTh 3.5.3 Dorries p. 195 Widows inherit their husbands property even if a will does not document this.
June 20, 330 Law 114: To Bassus, the praetorian prefect CTh 2.26.2 Dorries p. 195 Whoever takes part of someone else’s field must pay back twice as much.
July 16, 330 Law 115 Frag Vat 248 Dorries p. 195 Children who do not take care of their parents will have what they have received from them taken and returned to the parents.
330 Letter to Shapur, king of Persia VC 4.9-13;
THE 1.25.1-11;
ACH 3.11.1-11;
EH 8.38
Silli 34;
Dorries p. 125-127
Denouncing idolatry and persecution and expressing loving appreciation for the blessings enjoyed by the Christians.
Nov 29, 330 Law 116: To Ablavius, the praetorian prefect CTh 16.8.2 Dorries p. 195-196 Synagogue leaders are exempt from all personal and civil duties and cannot be forced out of their positions.
330-331 Letter to Macarius and the other bishops of Palestine VC 3.52-53 Silli 35;
Dorries p. 86-88
Instructing them to destroy the idolatrous altars at Mamre
330-331 Letter to the people of Antioch VC 3.60 Silli 36;
Dorries p. 89-92
Directing them not to take away Eusebius of Caesarea to be their bishop
330-331 Third letter to Eusebius at the request for the bishopric of Antioch VC 3.61 Silli 37;
Dorries p. 93-94
Praising him for turning down the bishopric of Antioch
330-331 Letter to Theodotus, Theodore, Narcissus, Aetius, Alpheius, and the other bishops who are in Antioch VC 3.62 Silli 38;
Dorries p. 92-93
Denouncing the attempt to make Eusebius bishop of Antioch
June 30, 331 Inscription at Orcistus CIL III 352, 7000;
ILS 6091;
MAMA VII 305;
FIRA 195
Dorries p. 212-214;
Gruenewald 446, p. 147-150
A letter to the city granting its request to be restored to its ancient city status, another to Ablabius affirming the same, and a third to the city liberating them from paying tax to Nacolea
Apr 17, 331 Law 117: To Ablavius, the praetorian prefect CTh 5.9.1 Dorries p. 196 Whoever takes in and raises a child who has been put out has the rights to him and is not required to return him to his parents or master.
Aug 4, 331 Law 118 CJ 12.47.1 Dorries p. 196 Officials’ sons are bound to follow in their father’s profession.
Nov 1, 331 Law 119 CJ 1.40.3 Dorries p. 196 Public acclamation is introduced into the court process.
331 Law 120: To Ablavius, the praetorian prefect CTh 3.16.1 Dorries p. 196-197 Limiting lawful grounds for divorcing a man to murder, witchcraft, and graverobbing and divorcing a woman to adultery, witchcraft, and prostitution
Feb 22-March 6, 332 Letter to the people of the catholic church of Alexandria ACA 61-62;
THE 1.27;
ACH 3.16.1-3
Silli 39;
Dorries p. 96-99
Encouraging them to show Christian love instead of following the example of wicked men
May 30, 332 Law 121: To Maximus, the praetorian prefect CJ 6.36.7 Dorries p. 197 Since codicils and testaments are the same thing they are given the same weight.
Oct 17, 332 Law 122: To Tiberianus, count of Spain CJ 6.1.6 Dorries p. 197 Setting torture as the proper way to ascertain truth from slaves
332-333 Digest of a letter to the censor Dalmatius ACA 65.1 Dorries p. 99 “Requiring him to institute a judicial enquiry” about Athanasius’ alleged murder of Arsenius
May 5, 333 Law 123 CS 1 Dorries p. 197-199 The judgments of the bishop are final.
333 Fourth letter to Eusebius about the restoration of the divine books VC 4.36;
SOC 1.9;
THE 1.16.1-4;
ACH 3.4.1-5;
EH 8.27;
CAS 2.16.1-5
Silli 40;
Dorries p. 81-82
Instruction to prepare more copies of the Scriptures in Constantinople.
333 First letter to Athanasius ACA 59.6;
SOC 1.27;
SOZ 2.22.5;
ACH 3.14;
EH 8.48
Silli 41;
Dorries p. 95-96
Threatening to despose him if he excluded from the church those who wished to enter its communion
333 Edict to the bishops and people against Arius ATH 39;
SOC 1.9;
ACH 2.36.1-2;
EH 8.25;
CAS 2.15;
EOMIA 1.2.4a,b;
HNI 1.1;
KAU 2.1;
SM 6-7
Silli 42;
Dorries p. 112-113;
Opitz 33
The followers of Arius should be called Porphyrians and all their writings burned.
333 Letter to Arius and the Arians with him ATH 40;
ACH 3.19;
EPI heresy 69.9.4
Silli 43;
Dorries p. 103-112
Opitz 34
Pleading with him to end his madness and return to the church
Sept 27, 333 DocumentLaw 124: To the people CTh 13.3.3 Dorries p. 199-200 Doctors and professors are exempt from all public duties.
Nov 27, 333 Letter to Arius SOC 1.25;
EH 8.47
Silli 44;
Dorries p. 77-78;
Opitz 29
Summoning him to the court
Dec 12, 333-May 22, 337 Inscription at Muzuc CIL VIII 12064 Gruenewald 143  
Dec 25, 333-Sept 18, 335 Inscription at Spello CIL XI 5265;
AE 1967,112;
ILS 705;
ILCV 5
Dorries p. 209-211;
Gruenewald 236, p. 150-153
Granting the city Hispellum the name “Flavia Constans” and the right to build a temple so that their priests would not have to travel to Tuscia
Dec 25, 333-May 22, 337 Inscription at Goren Chiflik SGLIB 150 Gruenewald 411  
End of 333-334 Second letter to Athanasius ACA 68 Silli 45;
Dorries p. 99-102
Declaring the Melitians’ accusations against Athanasius to be false
333-334 Letter to John ACA 70.2 Silli 46;
Dorries p. 102-103
Commending him for his return to the church and granting him use of public conveyance to come to him
Apr 29, 334? Law 125: To Gerulus, accountant of three provinces CTh 2.25.1 Dorries p. 200 Slaves are not to be separated from their families as masters divide up inheritance.
May 19, 334 Law 126: To Veronicianus, vicar of Asia CTh 8.1.4 Dorries p. 200 Finance officials may only hold this position 20 years and are subject to various tortures if they are greedy or fraudulent.
May 19, 334 Law 127: To Veronicianus, vicar of Africa CTh 8.15.2 Dorries p. 200 Finance officials cannot make purchases, and purchases made through extortion have no validity.
July 5, 334 Law 128: To Pacatianus, the praetorian prefect CTh 10.15.2 Dorries p. 200 Placing the interests of a subject over those of the treasury
Aug 25, 334 Law 129: To governor Julianus CTh 11.39.3 Dorries p. 200-201 Witnesses must confirm their testimony with oaths, and multiple witnesses are required for substantiation.
Aug? 27?, 334 Law 130: To Felix CTh 13.4.1 Dorries p. 201 To encourage more people to become architects, 18 year-old who chose that profession receive a suitable salary and they and their parents are exempt of all personal duties.
Dec 1, 334 Law 131: To the easter ship owners CTh 13.5.7 Dorries p. 201 Granting privileges to the ship captains so they more willingly transport supplies for the cities
335 Letter to the holy synod of Tyre VC 4.42;
THE 1.29.1-6;
ACH 3.17.1-7
Silli 47;
Dorries p. 114-117
Encouragement to deal with such accidental errors in a synod before it is too late
Aug 4, 335 Law 132: To Felix, the praetorian prefect CTh 12.1.21 Dorries p. 201 No one who has obtained the rank of priest or magistrate may be forced to domestic service.
Sept 335 Letter to the bishops in Jerusalem SOZ 2.27.13-14 Dorries p. 117-118 Asking them to examine and evaluate the confession of faith submitted by Arius and Euzoius
Oct 1, 335 Law 133: To Felix, the praetorian prefect CJ 4.62.4 Dorries p. 202 Greedy taxfarmers are punished with permanent exile.
Oct 30, 335 Letter to the bishops gathered in Tyre ACA 86.2-12;
SOC 1.34;
SOZ 2.28.2-12;
ACH 3.18.1-13;
EH 8.50;
CAS 3.7.2-13
Silli 48;
Dorries p. 119-124
Summoning the bishops to appear before him to answer for the council’s contentious behavior towards Athanasius
Apr 29, 336 Law 134 CTh 4.6.2 Dorries p. 202 Denying illegitimate sons the right to inherit and removing Licinius from his former exalted status
July 21, 336 Law 135: To Gregorius CTh 4.6.3 Dorries p. 202 It is scandalous and invalid for senators, duumvirates, and priests to include illegitimate sons among their legitimate sons. Licinius’ son, who fled and now was caught, is to be brought in chains to a workhouse in Carthage.
Aug 22, 336 Law 136: To Evagrius, the praetorian prefect CTh 12.1.22 Dorries p. 202 Palace officials are bound to their status.
Oct 9, 336 Law 137: To Gregorius, the praetorian prefect CTh 11.1.3 Dorries p. 202 The judges must personally sign off on customs taxes.
Oct 21, 336 Law 138: To Felix, the praetorian prefect CS 4 Dorries p. 203 Non-Jewish slaves who are circumcised by their Jewish masters are freed. Jews who become Christians are protected from other Jews.
c. 336-337 Law 139: To Felix, the praetorian prefect CTh 16.9.1, 16.8.5 Dorries p. 203-204 Non-Jewish slaves who are circumcised by their Jewish masters are freed. Jews who become Christians are protected from other Jews.
Feb 24, 337 Law 140: To Aurelius, duke of Mesopotamia CJ 4.42.1 Dorries p. 204 Death is the penalty for all future eunuchizings.
Early 337 Sixth inscription at Rome AE 1934,158 Gruenwald 260  
May 21, 337 Law 141: To the council of the province of Africa CTh 12.5.2 Dorries p. 204 Those who have been priest and duumvirs are exempt from lower duties.
May 22-Sept 9, 337 Inscription at Cilium-Thelepte CIL VIII 21934 Gruenewald 224  
Aug 2, 337 Law 142 (published posthumously) CTh 13.4.2 Dorries p. 204-205 Skilled artists are freed from service responsibilities so that they can spend their time furthering their talent and training their sons.
? Law 143 Nov. Theod. 11 Dorries p. 205 Denying the validity of wills made by mothers who neglect their sons
Good Friday, ? Address to the assemblies of the saints Appended to VC Dorries p. 129-161 Discussing Christianity and idolatry, especially the person and coming of Christ including reference to pagan prophecy

Spurious works

323-324 Letter to Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem CCS Tract 1, Chap 3 Silli 14 Summoning him concerning the question of the two bishops who disturb him daily
July 324 Letter about the synod celebrated at Nicaea BA 1.4;
CCS Tract 1, Chap 3
Silli 15 Bidding all bishops come to the upcoming council of Nicaea and that no one prevent any of them from attending
c. 326 Letter to Empress Helen AS;
CF Chap 2
Silli 28 Urging quietness instead of rashness in the matter of understanding God

Primary Source Abbreviations

ACA—Athanasius, Apologia contra Arianos

ACH—Anonymous Church History (pseudo-Gelasius)
AE—L’Annee epigraphique
AIJug—Antike Inschriften aus Jugoslavien
AS—Acta Silvestri
ATH—Athanasius, De decretis
AUG—Letters of Augustine
BA—Barhadbesabba Arbaia, Histoire
BCTH—Bulletin archeologique du Comite des Travaux Historiques et scientifiques
CAS—Cassiodorus, Historia ecclesiastica tripartita
CC—Augustine, Contra Cresconium
CCS—Ebediesu, Collectio canonum synodicorum
CF—Collectio Flaviniacensis
CIL—Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum
CJ—Codex Justiniani
CPD—Augustine, Contra partem Donati post gesta
CS—Constitutions of Sirmond
CTh—Codex Theodosiani
EE—Ephemeris epigraphica: Corporis inscriptionum Latinarum supplementum
EH—Nicephorus Callistus, Ecclesiastica historia
EPI—Epiphanius, Panarion
FIRA—Fontes iuris romani anteiustiniani
GAH—Solomonik, Graffiti anticnogo Hersonesa
HD—Optatus, Historia Donatisti (TTH 27; Liverpool 1997), M.. Edwards
HE—Eusebius, Historia ecclesiastica
HNI—Histoire nestorienne inedited (Chronique de Seert)
ICUR—Inscriptiones Christianae Urbis Romae
ILCV—Inscriptiones Latinae Christianae Veteres
ILS—Inscriptiones Latinae Selectae
KAU—Agapius (Mahboub) De Menbidj, Kitab Al-Unvan
LAC—Lactantius, De mortibus persecutorum
LC—Laus Constantini
MAMA—Monumenta Asiae Minoris Antiqua
PUB—Publilius Optatianus Porphyrius, Carmina
RIB—Roman Inscriptions of Britain
SGLIB—Spaetgriechische und spaetlateinische Inschriften aus Bulgarien
SM—Cowper, Syriac Miscellanies
SOC—Socrates Scholasticus, Historia ecclesiastica
SOZ—Sozomen, Historia ecclesiastica
TAM—Tituli Asiae Minoris
TD—Theodosius Diaconus, Conciliorum Nicaeni et Serdicensis sylloge: Sylloge Alexandrina
THE—Theodoret, Historia ecclesiastica
VC—Eusebius, Vita Constantini

Bibliography

H. Dörries. Das Selbstzeugnis Kaiser Konstantins. Abh. d. Akad. d. Wiss. in Göttingen, phil.-hist. Kl. 3.34 (Göttingen 1954).

T. Barnes. The New Empire of Diocletian and Constantine. (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1982).

T. Gruenewald. Constantinus Maximus Augustus: Herrschaftspropaganda in der Zeitgenoessischen Ueberlieferung. Zeitschrift fuer alte Geschichte 64 (Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1990).

H.G. Opitz. Athanasius Werke Band I. “Urkunden.” (Berlin 1934).

P. Silli. Testi Costantiniani nelle fonte letterarie. Materiali per una Palemgenesi delle Costituzioni Tardo-Imperiali 3 (Milan 1987).

F. Schulthess. “Die syrischen Kanones der Synoden von Nicaea bis Chalcedon.” Abhandlungen der Koeniglichen Gesellshaft der Wissenschaften zu Goettingen, Philologisch-Historische Klasse N.F. 10, no. 2 (Berlin: Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1908).

E. Schwartz. “Zur Geschichte des Athanasius.” Nachrichten von der Koeniglichen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften und der Georg-Augusts-Univeristaet zu Goettingen, Philologisch-Historische Klasse (Gottingen: Luder Horstmann, 1905).

Created by AMJ; updated  GLT 9/24/2021

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